Tottenham pay high price to ensure Emmanuel Adebayor’s AFCON return

Emmanuel Adebayor (right) returned home from the Africa Cup of Nations five days after Togo’s exit (Picture: Getty)

Andre Villas-Boas has revealed Tottenham chartered a private jet to ensure Emmanuel Adebayor made it back in time for their 2-1 win over Newcastle.

Adebayor infuriated some Spurs fans when he waited until five days after Togo’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations before travelling back to London despite being the club’s only fit striker.

Villas-Boas wanted Adebayor back in training on Friday but the 28-year-old did not land back in England until 6pm that day so missed the session and was subsequently named on the bench against the Magpies.

Indeed, the only way Spurs could get their man back to Britain was by hiring a plane for him.

‘Yes, [we sent a jet to get him],’ boss Villas-Boas said.

‘He helped the team get the result so it is good to get him back.

‘It’s very difficult. First, he was authorised to come back on Friday. Some issues arose that have put that comeback in jeopardy but he still was in time to come back and make an impact from the bench.’